Process for preparing 1, 6-hexanediol

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are processes for preparing 1,6-hexanediol and synthetic intermediates useful in the production of 1,6-hexanediol from renewable biosources. In one embodiment, a process comprises contacting levoglucosenone with hydrogen in the presence of a first hydrogenation catalyst at a first temperature to form product mixture (I); and heating product mixture (I) in the presence of hydrogen and a second hydrogenation catalyst at a second temperature to form product mixture (II) which comprises 1,6-hexanediol.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from, andclaims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/582,067,filed Dec. 30, 2011; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,404 filedApr. 27, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,436 filed Apr.27, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,449 filed Apr. 27,2012; all of which are by this reference incorporated in their entiretyas a part hereof for all purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to processes for preparing 1,6-hexanediol.

BACKGROUND

Industrial chemicals obtained from inexpensive sources are desirable foruse in industrial processes, for example as raw materials, solvents, orstarting materials. It has become increasingly desirable to obtainindustrial chemicals or their precursors from materials that are notonly inexpensive but also benign in the environment. Of particularinterest are materials which can be obtained from renewable sources,that is, materials that are produced by a biological activity such asplanting, farming, or harvesting. As used herein, the terms “renewable”and “biosourced” can be used interchangeably.

Biomass sources for such materials are becoming more attractiveeconomically versus petroleum-based ones. Although the convergent andselective synthesis of C₅ and C₆ carbocyclic intermediates from biomassis difficult because of the high degree of oxygenation of manycomponents of biomass, use of such biomass-derived intermediates asfeedstocks would offer new routes to industrially useful chemicals.

1,6-Hexanediol is a useful intermediate in the industrial preparation ofnylon. For example, 1,6-hexandiol can be converted by known methods to1,6-hexamethylene diamine, a useful monomer in nylon production.

There is an existing need for processes to produce 1,6-hexanediol, andsynthetic intermediates useful in the production of 1,6-hexanediol, fromrenewable biosources. There is an existing need for processes to produce1,6-hexanediol, as well as synthetic intermediates useful in theproduction of 1,6-hexanediol, from biomass-derived starting materials,including C₆ oxygenated hydrocarbons such as levoglucosenone.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a process is disclosed, the process comprising thesteps of

a) contacting levoglucosenone with hydrogen in the presence of a firsthydrogenation catalyst at a first temperature between about 25° C. andabout 150° C. to form product mixture (I); and

b) heating product mixture (I) in the presence of hydrogen and a secondhydrogenation catalyst at a second temperature between about 120° C. andabout 260° C. to form product mixture (II).

In one embodiment, product mixture (I) comprises one or more oflevoglucosenol, levoglucosanol, tetrahydrofuran 2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane,1,2,6-hexanetriol, and 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran.

In one embodiment, product mixture (II) comprises one or more of1,2,6-hexanetriol, tetrahydrofuran 2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, 1,6-hexanediol,1,2-hexanediol, 1-hexanol, and 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, where the indefinite article “a” or “an” is used withrespect to a statement or description of the presence of a step in aprocess disclosed herein, unless the statement or description explicitlyprovides to the contrary, the use of such indefinite article does notlimit the presence of the step in the process to one in number.

As used herein, when an amount, concentration, or other value orparameter is given as either a range, preferred range, or a list ofupper preferable values and lower preferable values, this is to beunderstood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair ofany upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit orpreferred value, regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed.Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, unless otherwisestated, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and allintegers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that thescope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited whendefining a range.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having,” “contains” or “containing,” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Forexample, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limitedto only those elements but may include other elements not expresslylisted or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

As used herein, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredientor reactant employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity thatcan occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handlingprocedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the realworld; through inadvertent error in these procedures; throughdifferences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredientsemployed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and thelike. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due todifferent equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from aparticular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”,the claims include equivalents to the quantities. The term “about” maymean within 10% of the reported numerical value, preferably within 5% ofthe reported numerical value.

As used herein, the term “biomass” refers to any hemicellulosic orlignocellulosic material and includes materials comprisinghemicellulose, and optionally further comprising cellulose, lignin,starch, oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides.

As used herein, the term “lignocellulosic” means comprising both ligninand cellulose. Lignocellulosic material may also comprise hemicellulose.In some embodiments, lignocellulosic material contains glucan and xylan.

Hemicellulose is a non-cellulosic polysaccharide found inlignocellulosic biomass. Hemicellulose is a branched heteropolymerconsisting of different sugar monomers. It typically comprises from 500to 3000 sugar monomeric units.

Lignin is a complex high molecular weight polymer and can compriseguaiacyl units as in softwood lignin, or a mixture of guaiacyl andsyringyl units as in hardwood lignin.

As used herein, the abbreviations “Lgone” and “LGone” refer tolevoglucosenone, also known as1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-p-D-pyranosen-2-one. The chemical structure oflevoglucosenone is represented by Formula (I).

As used herein, the abbreviations “Lgol” and “LGol” refer tolevoglucosanol, also known as 1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxyhexopyranose, andinclude a mixture of the threo and erythro stereoisomers. The chemicalstructure of 1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxyhexopyranose is represented byFormula (II).

As used herein, the abbreviation “K128” refers to1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-p-D-pyranose-2-one. The chemical structure of1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-p-D-pyranose-2-one is represented by Formula(III).

As used herein, the abbreviation “Tetraol” refers to1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane, also known as 3,4-dideoxyhexitol, andincludes a mixture of stereoisomers. The chemical structure of1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane is represented by Formula (IV).

As used herein, the abbreviation “THFDM” refers totetrahydro-2,5-furandimethanol, also known as2,5-bis[hydroxymethyl]tetrahydrofuran, and includes a mixture ofstereoisomers (cis- and racemic trans-isomers). The chemical structureof tetrahydro-2,5-furandimethanol is represented by Formula (V).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,2,6-HT” refers to 1,2,6-hexanetrioland includes a racemic mixture of isomers. The chemical structure of1,2,6-hexanetriol is represented by Formula (VI).

As used herein, the abbreviation “THPM” refers totetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-methanol, also known as2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, and includes a racemic mixture ofisomers. The chemical structure of tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-methanol isrepresented by Formula (VII).

As used herein, the abbreviation “HOTHPM” refers to2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran, also known as1,5-anhydro-3,4-dideoxyhexitol, and includes a mixture of stereoisomers.The chemical structure of 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyranis represented by Formula (VIII).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,6-HD” refers to 1,6-hexanediol. Thechemical structure of 1,6-hexanediol is represented by Formula (IX).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,2-HD” refers to 1,2-hexanediol andincludes a racemic mixture of isomers. The chemical structure of1,2-hexanediol is represented by Formula (X).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,2-CHD” refers to 1,2-cyclohexanedioland includes a mixture of stereoisomers (cis and racemic trans isomers).The chemical structure of 1,2-cyclohexanediol is represented by Formula(XI).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,5-HD” refers to 1,5-hexanediol andincludes a racemic mixture of isomers. The chemical structure of1,5-hexanediol is represented by Formula (XII).

As used herein, the abbreviation “HexOH” refers to 1-hexanol. Thechemical structure 1-hexanol is represented by Formula (XIII).

As used herein, the abbreviation “PentOH” refers to 1-pentanol. Thechemical structure 1-pentanol is represented by Formula (XIV).

As used herein, the abbreviation “A128” refers to1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-β-erythro-hex-3-enopyranose, also known aslevoglucosenol. The chemical structure of A128 is represented by Formula(XV).

As used herein, the abbreviation “1,5-PD” refers to 1,5-pentanediol Thechemical structure of 1,5-PD is represented by Formula (XVI).

Disclosed herein are processes for obtaining 1,6-hexanediol, andsynthetic intermediates useful in the production of 1,6-hexanediol, fromlevoglucosenone, which in turn can be derived from a renewablebiosource. As used herein, the term “renewable biosource” includesbiomass and animal or vegetable fats or oils.

A renewable biosource can be pyrolyzed under high temperature conditionsin the presence of an acid catalyst to provide useful chemicalintermediates. For example, pyrolysis of wood, starch, glucose orcellulose can produce levoglucosenone by known and conventional methods(see, for example, Ponder (Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vol24/25, 41-41 (1990)) or Shafizadeh (Carbohydrate Research, 71, 169-191(1979)). In some embodiments, levoglucosenone as obtained by pyrolysisof biomass contains small amounts of acidic components, for examplelevulinic acid.

In the processes disclosed herein, levoglucosenone is contacted withhydrogen in the presence of a first hydrogenation catalyst at a firsttemperature between about 25° C. and about 150° C. to form productmixture (I), which is then heated in the presence of hydrogen and asecond hydrogenation catalyst at a second temperature between about 120°C. and about 260° C. to form product mixture (II). Product mixture (I)comprises one or more of 1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-ρ-D-pyranose-2-one,levoglucosenol, levoglucosanol, tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane,1,2,6-hexanetriol, and 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, each ofwhich can be a useful chemical intermediate in the synthesis of1,6-hexanediol. Product mixture (II) comprises one or more of1,2,6-hexanetriol, tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, 1,6-hexanediol,1,2-hexanediol, 1-hexanol, and 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran.

In the processes disclosed herein, levoglucosanol may be produced andconverted as a mixture of stereoisomers (threo- and erythro isomer);tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol may be produced and converted as amixture of stereoisomers (cis- and trans isomer with respect to thehydroxymethy groups attached to the tetrahydrofuran ring: one cis mesocompound a trans racemate); 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran may beproduced and converted as a racemate; 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane may beproduced and converted as a mixture of stereoisomers differing only inthe configuration of the C2 and C5 carbon atom (one meso compound and aracemate); 1,2,6-hexanetriol may be produced and converted as racemate;2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran may be produced and convertedas a mixture of stereoisomers (two racemic stereoisomers); and1,2-hexanediol may be produced and converted as a racemate.

For contacting with hydrogen in the presence of a first hydrogenationcatalyst, the levoglucosenone is typically dissolved or suspended in aliquid medium, referred to herein as a “solvent”. Suitable solventsinclude water, a C₁-C₂₀ alcohol, a C₂-C₂₀ ether, a C₂-C₂₀ ester, ormixtures thereof. Examples of suitable alcohols which are commerciallyavailable include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and hexanol.Examples of suitable ethers which are commercially available includedibutylether, dihexylether, methyl-t-butyl-ether, tetrahydrofuran, anddioxane. Examples of suitable esters which are commercially availableinclude ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate,butyl butyrate and hexyl acetate.

The concentration of levoglucosenone in the solvent, whether dissolvedor as a suspension, is between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt %; in someembodiments it is between and optionally includes any two of thefollowing values: 1 wt %, 5 wt %, 10 wt %, 15 wt %, 20 wt %, 25 wt %, 30wt %, 35 wt %, 40 wt %, 45 wt %, and 50 wt %. It is anticipated thathigher concentrations of levoglucosenone in water, or even neatlevoglucosenone, could be used. The optimal concentration will depend onthe intended reaction conditions.

The first hydrogenation catalyst can be homogeneous or heterogenous. Thefirst hydrogenation catalyst comprises one or more of supported platinumcatalysts, supported palladium catalysts, supported ruthenium catalysts,supported nickel catalysts, catalysts derived from nickel-aluminumalloys, catalysts derived from cobalt-aluminum alloys, andorganophosphorous or organometallic complexes of Rh, Ir, Ru, or Ti.Examples of commercially available catalysts suitable for use as thefirst hydrogenation catalyst include RANEY® nickel, RANEY® cobalt,palladium on carbon, palladium on alumina, platinum on carbon, rutheniumon carbon, and organophosphorous or organometallic complexes of Rh, Ir,Ru, or Ti, for example chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I)[CAS#14694-95-2],(tricyclohexylphosphine)(1,5-cyclooctadiene)(pyridine)iridium(I)hexafluorophosphate[CAS#64536-78-3], bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium(IV)dichloride [CAS#11136-36-0],chloro[rac-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl](p-cymene)ruthenium(II) chloride [RuCl(p-cymene)(binap)]CI [CAS#145926-28-9], anda combination of bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane [CAS#1663-45-2] andbis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I)tetrafluoroborate [CAS#35138-22-8]

Hydrogen, optionally in combination with an inert gas such as nitrogenor argon, is contacted with the levoglucosenone and the firsthydrogenation catalyst at a total applied pressure which can range fromambient pressure (i.e., 0 applied pressure) to about 1000 psi. In someembodiments, the applied pressure is between and optionally includes anytwo of the following values: 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, and 1000 psi. If an inert gas is used in combination with thehydrogen, the amount of the inert gas should be such that it does notnegatively impact the formation of product mixture (I).

The levoglucosenone, first hydrogenation catalyst, and hydrogen arecontacted at a first temperature between about 25° C. and about 150° C.,for example between about 50° C. and about 100° C. In some embodiments,the temperature is between and optionally includes any two of thefollowing values: 25° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., 60° C., 70° C., 80°C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., and 150° C. Thecontacting is performed for a period of time sufficient to react atleast about 90%, for example at least about 95%, of the sum oflevoglucosenone and any 1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-p-D-pyranose-2-oneisomers and/or 1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-β-erythro-hex-3-enopyranoseisomers to one or more chemical species, including levoglucosanol.

At the end of the designated contacting time, if desired, the firsthydrogenation catalyst can be separated from product mixture (I) bymethods known in the art, for example by filtration. After separationfrom the catalyst, if desired the product mixture components, includingone or more of levoglucosanol, tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane,1,2,6-hexanetriol, and 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, can beseparated from one another using any appropriate method known in theart, for example distillation. In one embodiment, product mixture (I)comprises levoglucosenol. In one embodiment, product mixture (I)comprises tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol. In one embodiment, productmixture (I) comprises 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran. In one embodiment,product mixture (I) comprises 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane. In oneembodiment, product mixture (I) comprises 1,2,6-hexanetriol. In oneembodiment, product mixture (I) comprises2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran.

Product mixture (I) is then heated in the presence of hydrogen and asecond hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature between about 120° C. andabout 260° C. to form product mixture (II). In one embodiment, productmixture (I) is dissolved or suspended in a solvent, which can be thesame or different from any solvent used with the levoglucosenone in thefirst step of the process. In one embodiment, product mixture (I) isused without any added solvent.

In some embodiments, the second hydrogenation catalyst comprises a metalM1 and a metal M2 or an oxide of M2, and optionally a solid support,wherein:

-   -   M1 is Pd, Pt, or Ir; and M2 is Mo, W, V, Mn, Re, Zr, Ni, Cu, Zn,        Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti, Au, or Co; or    -   M1 is Rh and M2 is Re, Mo, W, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti,        Au, or Zr; or    -   M1 is Ag, Au or Co; and M2 is Re, Mo, or W;    -   M1 is Cu, Pd, Fe, or Ni; and M2 is Re, Mo, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn,        or W; or    -   M1 is Ag, Pt, Cu, or Au, and M2 is Ni, Fe, Sn, Ge, or Ir; or    -   M1 is Co and M2 is Fe; or    -   M1 is Ni and M2 is Co or Fe; or    -   M1 is Mn and M2 is Cr.

The M1 and M2 components of the catalysts may be derived from anyappropriate metal compound. Examples include but are not limited to:rhodium (III) chloride hydrate, copper (II) nitrate hydrate, nickel (II)chloride hexahydrate, iridium (IV) chloride hydrate, iron (III) nitratenonahydrate, tetraammineplatinum (II) nitrate, platinum chloride,hexachloroplatinic acid, tetrachloroplatinic acid, palladium chloride,palladium nitrate, palladium acetate, iridium trichloride, ammoniumperrhenate, ammonium tungsten oxide hydrate, ammonium molybdate hydrate,manganese (II) nitrate hydrate, and ammonium vanadium oxide.

The loading of M1 may be 0.1-50% but preferably 0.5-5% by weight, basedon the weight of the prepared catalyst (i.e., including the solidcatalyst support where present). The loading of M2 may be 0.1-99.9%,preferably 2-10%. Preferably the atomic ratio of M1 to M2 in catalystscontaining both M1 and M2 is 1:0.5 to 1:5. Optionally, M2 may beincorporated into the catalyst support or serve as the catalyst support,e.g. Pt supported on tungsten oxide or molybdenum oxide. Regarding thecatalyst, all percentages are interpreted as weight percent relative tothe weight of the prepared catalyst.

In some embodiments, the second hydrogenation catalyst comprises metalsM1, M2, and M3 and optionally a support, wherein M1 is Mn, Cr, V, or Ti;M2 is Ni, Co, or Fe; and M3 is Cu, Ag, Pt, Pd or Au; or M1 is Pt or Rh;M2 is Cu, Ni or Pd; and M3 is Mo, Re or W.

In some embodiments, the second hydrogenation catalyst comprises a Cucomponent; optionally a heteropoly acid component; optionally a secondmetal or metal oxide; optionally one or more promoters; and optionally asupport, wherein:

-   -   the Cu component comprises Cu or a Cu oxide;    -   the heteropoly acid component is H₃[P(W₃O₁₀)₄], H₄[Si(W₃O₁₀)₄],        Cs_(2.5)H_(0.5)[P(W₃O₁₀)₄]; phosphomolybdic acid, or        silicomolybdic acid;    -   the second metal or metal oxide is Cr, a Cr oxide, Ni, a Ni        oxide, Mn, a Mn oxide, Zn, or a Zn oxide; and    -   the one or more promoters are selected from the group consisting        of Ba, Ce, Mg, Na, K.

In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises CuO. In some embodiments,the catalyst comprises from 2 wt % to 98 wt % CuO and further comprisesfrom 98 wt % to 2 wt % of at least one oxide selected from the groupconsisting of zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), barium oxide(BaO), chromium oxide (Cr₂C₃), silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂C₃), nickeloxide (NiO), manganese oxide (MnO₂), sodium oxide (Na₂O), potassiumoxide (K₂O), cerium oxide (CeO₂), lanthanum oxide (La₂C₃), iron oxide(Fe₂C₃), silver oxide (Ag₂O) and cobalt oxide (Co₂C₃), based on thetotal weight of the catalyst. In one embodiment, the catalyst furthercomprises ZnO. In one embodiment, the catalyst further comprises MgO. Insome embodiments, the catalyst further comprises carbon. Examples ofsuitable commercially available catalysts include but are not limited tothe following: CuO/ZnO, BaO/CuO/Cr₂C₃/SiO₂, BaO/CuO/Cr₂C₃,BaO/CuO/MnO₂/Cr₂C₃, CuO/SiO₂, CuO/Al₂C₃, CuO/NiO/Al₂C₃, CuO/Cr₂C₃/MnO₂,CuO/Cr₂C₃, CuO/MnO₂/Al₂C₃, CuO/Cr₂C₃, CuO/ZnO/Al₂C₃, CuO/SiO₂/Cr₂C₃/MgO,CuO/ZnO/CeO₂/Al₂C₃/Na₂O/C, CuO/NiO, and NiO/CuO/K₂O/Cr₂C₃/CaF₂. In oneembodiment, the catalyst comprises CuO/ZnO, CuO/ZnO/Al₂C₃, orCuO/ZnO/CeO₂/Al₂C₃/Na₂O/C.

Hydrogenation catalysts suitable for use in the second step of theprocesses disclosed herein can be synthesized by, for example, mixingthe Cu component with a solution of the heteropolyacid component,evaporating the solvent (e.g., water) to dryness and calcining theresulting powder. The heteropolyacid component may itself be provided asa solution of heteropolyacid and a basic salt, for example, a solutioncontaining a mixture of H₃[P(W₃C₁₀)₄] and cesium carbonate in suitableproportions to form Cs_(2.5)H_(0.5)[P(W₃O₁₀)₄

In some embodiments, it is useful to utilize a solid catalyst support toenhance the stability and economic feasibility of the process. Examplesof supports include, without limitation: WO₃, SiO₂, Al₂C₃, carbon, TiO₂,ZrO₂, CeO₂, SiO₂—Al₂C₃, clays (e.g., montmorillonite), SiO₂—TiO₂,tungstated ZrO₂, zeolites (such as H—Y zeolite), V₂C₅, and MoO₃. Inother embodiments, it may be desirable to not have a solid support.

The prepared hydrogenation catalyst can be in any physical form typicalfor heterogeneous catalysts, including but not limited to: powdered(also known as “fluidized”) forms with 0.01-150 μm particle size, formedtablets, extrudates, spheres, engineered particles having uniform 0.5-10mm size, monolithic structures on which surfaces the catalyst isapplied, or combinations of two or more of the above. When a solidsupport is utilized a catalyst containing both M1 and M2, it isdesirable that M1 be intimately associated with the M2 component, the M3component, or both, as measured by transmission electron microscopy withenergy dispersive spectroscopy. It is further preferable that theparticle size of the M1 component be less than 10 nm and most preferablyless than 3 nm as measured by the same techniques. In this case,particle size of the M1 component may be interpreted as particle size ofa mixture of the M1 and M2 components, an alloy of the M1 and M2components, a particle of the M1 component adjacent to a particle of theM2 component, or a particle of the M1 component on the support whichcontains the M2 component.

The second hydrogenation catalysts can be synthesized by anyconventional method for preparing catalysts, for example, deposition ofmetal salts from aqueous or organic solvent solutions via impregnationor incipient wetness, precipitation of an M1 component and/or an M2component and/or an M3 component, or solid state synthesis. Preparationmay comprise drying catalyst materials under elevated temperatures from30-250° C., preferably 50-150° C.; calcination by heating in thepresence of air at temperatures from 250-800° C., preferably 300-450°C.; and reduction in the presence of hydrogen at 100-400° C., preferably200-300° C., or reduction with alternative reducing agents such ashydrazine, formic acid or ammonium formate. The above techniques may beutilized with powdered or formed particulate catalyst materials preparedby tableting, extrusion or other techniques common for catalystsynthesis. Where powdered catalysts materials are utilized, it will beappreciated that the catalyst support or the resulting catalyst materialmay be sieved to a desired particle size and that the particle size maybe optimized to enhance catalyst performance.

Hydrogen, optionally in combination with an inert gas such as nitrogenor argon, is present during the heating of product mixture (I) in thepresence of the second hydrogenation catalyst. The total appliedpressure can range from 100 psi to about 2000 psi. In some embodiments,the applied pressure is between and optionally includes any two of thefollowing values: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 2000psi. If an inert gas is used in combination with the hydrogen, theamount of the inert gas should be such that it does not negativelyimpact the formation of product mixture (II).

The second temperature is between about 120° C. and about 260° C., forexample between about 140° C. and about 200° C. In some embodiments, thetemperature is between and optionally includes any two of the followingvalues: 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., 150° C., 160° C., 170° C., 180° C.,190° C., 200° C., 210° C., 220° C., 230° C., 240° C., 250° C., and 260°C.

At the end of the designated heating time, if desired, the secondhydrogenation catalyst can be separated from product mixture (II) bymethods known in the art, for example by filtration. After separationfrom the catalyst, if desired the product mixture components, includingone or more of tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, 1,2,6-hexanetriol,2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, 1,2-hexanediol, 1-hexanol, and1,6-hexanediol can be separated from one another using any appropriatemethod known in the art, for example distillation. In one embodiment,product mixture (II) comprises 1,6-hexanediol. In one embodiment,product mixture (II) comprises tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dimethanol. In oneembodiment, product mixture (II) comprises2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran. In one embodiment, product mixture (II)comprises 1,2,6-hexanetriol. In one embodiment, product mixture (II)comprises 2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran. In one embodiment,product mixture (II) comprises 1,2-hexanediol. In one embodiment,product mixture (II) comprises 1-hexanol.

The first and second steps of the processes can be run in batch orcontinuous modes, in liquid phase, gas phase, or biphasic conditions. Ina batch or continuous mode of operation, the amount of each catalystused will depend on the specific equipment configuration and reactionconditions.

EXAMPLES

The methods disclosed herein are illustrated in the following examples.From the above discussion and these examples, one skilled in the art canascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changesand modifications of the invention to adapt it to various uses andconditions.

All commercial materials were used as received unless stated otherwiseand were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.) unless statedotherwise. Levoglucosenone (90% purity) was obtained from TimTec LLC(Newark, Del.). 2,5-Tetrahydrofurandimethanol was obtained from thePenAKem corporation (Memphis, Tenn.). 5% Platinum on carbon (Pt/C) and5% palladium on carbon (Pd/C) were received from the Aldrich ChemicalCompany (Aldrich catalogue numbers 20,5931 and 33,012-4, respectively).1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-p-D-pyranose-2-one (“K128”) and1,6-anhydro-3,4-dideoxy-β-erythro-hex-3-enopyranose (“A128”) wereprepared as described in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 63 (1998)8133-8144.

Copper catalysts of various compositions were received from differentcommercial sources as described below. All copper catalysts were groundwith a mortar and pestle and passed through a 0.0165″ mesh sieve priorto use.

TABLE 1 Copper Catalysts Used in Some of the Examples Vendor CatalogCatalyst Name Vendor Number Composition BaO/CuO/Cr₂O₃ SuedChemie G-22CuO 41%, Cr₂O₃ 43%, BaO 12% BaO/CuO/MnO₂/Cr₂O₃ SuedChemie G-99B-0 CuO47%, Cr₂O₃ 46%, MnO₂ 4%, BaO 2% CuO/MnO₂/Al₂O₃ SuedChemie T-4489 CuO56%, MnO₂ 10%, Al₂O₃ 34% CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ SuedChemie ActiSorb ® 301 CuO53%, ZnO 27%, Al₂O₃ 20% CuO/ZnO SuedChemie T-2130 CuO 33%, ZnO 66%CuO/SiO₂ BASF Cu-0860 Decan-1-ol 30.0-50.0%, (BASF Cu-0860) Copper25.0-40.0%, Silicon dioxide 10.0- 20.0%, Calcium oxide 0.0-10.0%, Copperoxide 0.0-10.0%, Palygorskite 7 0.0-7.0%, Crystalline silica 0.0-1.0%CuO/ZnO/CeO₂/Al₂O₃/Na₂O/C Johnson PRICAT CZ CuO 39 wt.%, ZnO 45 Matthey30/18 T 6*5 mm wt. %, Ce₂O₃ 2 wt. %, Al₂O₃ 8 wt. %, Na₂O 0.3 wt. %,Graphite 2.5 wt. %, H₂O, CO₂ Balance

The Pt/W/TiO₂ catalyst was synthesized using the following procedure.0.92 Grams of Aerolyst 7708 TiO₂ (Evonik) that had been ground with amortar and pestle and passed through a 0.0165″ mesh sieve, then wettedwith 1.0 ml of deionized water, was impregnated with 0.08 g oftetraammineplatinum (II) nitrate (Strem, Cat #78-2010) dissolved in 1.0ml of deionized water. The resulting wet suspension was vortexed for 15minutes and then vacuum-dried at 110° C. overnight. The resultingprecipitate was wetted with 1.0 ml of deionized water, and then 0.0535 gof ammonium tungsten oxide hydrate (para analogue) (Alfa, stock #22640)which had been thoroughly dissolved in 2.0 ml of deionized water wasadded on to the wetted precipitate. The resulting wet suspension wasvortexed for 15 minutes and then vacuum-dried at 110° C. overnight.After reaching room temperature, the material was transferred to aceramic boat and calcined in air at 400° C. for three hours. Thecalcined Pt/W/TiO₂ catalyst had a Pt loading of 4 wt % based on thetotal weight of the catalyst, and a 1:1 molar ratio of Pt:W.

Reactor feeds and reaction products were analyzed by gas chromatographyusing standard GC and GC/MS equipment: Agilent 5975C, HP5890, StabilwaxColumn Restek Company Bellefonte, Pa. (30 m×025 mm 0.5 micron filmthickness). Chemical components of reaction product mixtures wereidentified by matching their retention times and mass spectra to thoseof authentic samples.

The following abbreviations are used in the examples: “° C.” meansdegrees Celsius; “wt %” means weight percent; “g” means gram; “min”means minute(s); “μL” means microliter; “wt %” means weight percent;“RV(s)” means reaction vessel(s); “PSI” means pounds per square inch;“mg/g” means milligram per gram; “μm” means micrometer; “mL” meansmilliliter; “mm” means millimeter and “mL/min” means milliliter perminute; “MPa” means megapascal; “GC” means gas chromatography; “MS”means “mass spectrometry”, “Ex” means Example.

Examples 1-4

Examples 1 through 4 demonstrate the conversion of LGone to a firstproduct mixture at 60° C. (Examples 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A) and thesubsequent conversion of the first product mixture to a second productmixture at 180° C. (Examples 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B), as shown in ReactionSchemes A and B, respectively. In these Examples, the same catalyst wasused for the first (A) and second (B) process steps.

In a glass vial equipped with a magnetic stir bar (1.5 mL glass vials,ROBO Autosampler Vial, VWR International, Radnor, Pa.), 0.75 ml ofsolvent (water, ethanol or ethyl acetate [abbreviated as EtOAc]) wereadded to 37.5 mg of levoglucosenone and about 20 mg of Pt/C or of Pd/Cas catalyst as indicated in Table 2 below. The vials were capped with aperforated septum to limit vapor transfer rates. The vials were placedin a stainless steel (SS316) parallel pressure reactor having 8individual wells. The reactor was connected to a high pressure gasmanifold and the contents were purged with nitrogen gas (1000 psi) 3times. About 800 psi of H₂ was then added and the reactor was heated to60° C. After 2 h the reactor was allowed to cool to room temperature andthe pressure was released. Under inert gas atmosphere a 100 μl sample ofthe first reaction product was taken from each vial, diluted withn-propanol and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Results for the first reactionproducts are given in Table 3.

The vials containing the undiluted Step 1 reaction products and catalystwere returned to the reactor, which was then repressurized with 800 psiH₂ and allowed to heat to 180° C. After 4 h the reactor was allowed tocool to room temperature within 2 h and depressurized. The secondreaction solutions were diluted with n-propanol, filtered through astandard 5 micron disposable filter, and analyzed by GC and GC/MS.Results for the second reactor products are given in Table 3.

TABLE 2 Catalysts and Solvents Used in Examples 1 through 4. ExampleProcess Step Catalyst Solvent 1A First Pt/C H₂O 1B Second Pt/C H₂O 2AFirst Pd/C EtOAc 2B Second Pd/C EtOAc 3A First Pd/C H₂O 3B Second Pd/CH₂O 4A First Pd/C EtOH 4B Second Pd/C EtOH

TABLE 3 Product Distributions (% mol, based on GC area % corrected usingrelative response factors) for Examples 1 through 4. Ex LGone K128 LGolTHFDM HOTHPM THPM 1,6-HD 1,2,6-HT 1A <1 2 94 3 1 0 — — 1B <1 — <1 84 7 25 1 2A <1 0 95 2 2 1 — — 2B  7 — 93 2 2 0 3 0 3A <1 0 87 2 3 7 — — 3B —— 5 70 20 5 0 0 4A <1 56  42 1 1 0 — — 4B n/a* n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/an/a *“n/a” means not available. The vial containing Example 4B reactionsolution broke before the contents could be analyzed.

Example 5 Conversion of THFDM to a Product Mixture Comprising 1,6-HD and1,2,6-HT Using a Pt/W/TiO₂ Catalyst at 160° C. and a 6 Hour ReactionTime

To a stainless steel (SS316) pressure reactor equipped with a magneticstir bar and 5 ml of water were added 250 mg of2,5-tetrahydrofurandimethanol (˜95% pure) and about 250 mg of 4%Pt/W/TiO₂ catalyst. The reactor was sealed, connected to a high pressuregas manifold, and purged with nitrogen gas (1000 psi) three times. About800 psi of hydrogen was then added and the reactor was heated to 160° C.After 6 h, the reactor was allowed to cool to room temperature within 2h and depressurized. The reaction product solution was diluted withn-propanol and a known amount of diethyleneglycoldiethyl ether as aninternal standard and filtered through a standard 5 micron disposablefilter. A sample was taken and analyzed by GC and GC/MS; results aregiven in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Results for Example 5 THPM 1,2-HD 1,5-HD 1,5-PD 1,6-HD THFDM1,2,6-HT others m [mg] 2 2 10 0 132 7 53 6 n [mmol] 0.01 0.02 0.09 01.11 0.05 0.40 0.05 Yield 1% 1% 5% 0% 62% — 22% 3%

Example 6 Conversion of THFDM to a Product Mixture Comprising 1,6-HD and1,2,6-HT Using a Pt/W/TiO₂ Catalyst at 160° C. And a 24 Hour ReactionTime

Example 6 was conducted the same way as Example 5 but the reaction timewas 24 h instead of 6 h. Results are given in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Results for Example 6 THPM 1,2-HD 1,5-HD 1,5-PD 1,6-HD THFDM1,2,6-HT others m [mg] 0.8 14.0 17.0 3.2 177.0 0.0 0.0 ~8.4 n [mmol] 0.00.1 0.1 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 n.d. Yield 0% 7% 4% 2% 83% — 0% 4%

Example 7 Conversion of LGone to a First Product Mixture Comprising LGolat 60° C.

To a stainless steel (SS316) pressure reactor equipped with a magneticstir bar and 5 ml of water were added 250 mg of levoglucosenone (˜90%pure, 10% water) and about 50 mg of 5% Pt/C catalyst. The reactor wassealed, connected to a high pressure gas manifold, and purged withnitrogen gas (1000 psi) three times. About 800 psi of hydrogen was thenadded and the reactor was heated to 60° C. After 2 h, the temperaturewas increased to 100° C. over the course of 30 min. After 2 h at 100° C.the reactor was allowed to cool to room temperature within 2 h anddepressurized. The reactor was rinsed with water and the reactionproduct mixture was filtered through a standard 5 micron disposablefilter. GC analysis of the filtered product mixture showed quantitativeconversion of the levoglucosenone to the corresponding the alcohollevoglucosanol (LGol).

The filtered product mixture of Example 7 was used as the feed solutionfor Examples 8 through 15, where it is referred to as the “first productmixture”.

Example 8 through Example 15 Conversion of a First Product MixtureComprising LGol to a Second Product Mixture Comprising THFDM and HOTHPM

In these Examples, 0.75 ml portions of the filtered product mixture fromExample 7, referred to here as the “first product mixture”, were placedin each of eight glass vials (1.5 mL glass vials, ROBO Autosampler Vial,VWR International, Radnor, Pa.) together with the amount of catalystindicated in Table 6. Each portion of the first product mixturecontained about 27 mg of LGol. Each vial was equipped with a magneticstir bar (magnetic stirbar 7×2 mm, VWR International, Radnor, Pa.) andcapped with a perforated septum to limit vapor transfer rates. The vialswere placed in a stainless steel (SS316) parallel pressure reactorhaving 8 individual wells. The reactor was connected to a high pressuregas manifold and the contents were purged with nitrogen gas (1000 psi)3times. About 1200 psi of hydrogen was added while the reaction solutionswere stirred. The reactor was then heated to 200° C. and the pressurewas adjusted to 2000 psi. After 4 h the reactor was allowed to cool toroom temperature within 2 h and depressurized. The second productmixture was diluted with n-propanol and a known amount of diethyleneglycol diethyl ether as an internal standard and filtered through astandard 5 micron disposable filter for GC and GC/MS analysis. Resultsare given in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Results for Examples 8-15 Yield mol % Catalyst Other alcoholsand amount unidentified by- Ex Catalyst [mg] THFDM HOTHPM products  8CuO/ZnO 60 38 7 54  9 BaO/CuO/Cr₂O₃ 60 50 7 44 10 BaO/CuO/MnO₂/ 60 51 742 Cr₂O₃ 11 CuO/SiO₂ 60 54 8 38 12 CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ 60 62 8 30 13CuO/ZnO/CeO₂/ 60 52 5 43 Al₂O₃/Na₂O/C 14 CuO/MnO₂/Al₂O₃ 60 54 6 40 15 5%Pt/C 5 66 10 24

What is claimed is:
 1. A process comprising: a) contactinglevoglucosenone with hydrogen in the presence of a first hydrogenationcatalyst at a first temperature between about 25° C. and about 150° C.to form product mixture (I); and b) heating product mixture (I) in thepresence of hydrogen and a second hydrogenation catalyst at a secondtemperature between about 120° C. and about 260° C. to form productmixture (II).
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein product mixture (I)comprises one or more of levoglucosenol, levoglucosanol, tetrahydrofuran2,5-dimethanol, 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran,1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran.
 3. The process of claim 1,wherein product mixture (II) comprises one or more of 1,2,6-hexanetriol,tetrahydrofuran 2,5-dimethanol,2-hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxytetrahydropyran, 1,6-hexanediol,1,2-hexanediol, 1-hexanol, and 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran.
 4. Theprocess of claim 3, wherein product mixture (II) comprises1,6-hexanediol.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the firsthydrogenation catalyst comprises one or more of supported platinumcatalysts, supported palladium catalysts, supported ruthenium catalysts,supported nickel catalysts, catalysts derived from nickel-aluminumalloys, catalysts derived from cobalt-aluminum alloys, andorganophosphorous or organometallic complexes of Rh, Ir, Ru, or Ti. 6.The process of claim 1, wherein the second hydrogenation catalystcomprises a metal M1 and optionally a metal M2 or an oxide of M2, andoptionally a support, wherein: M1 is Pd, Pt, or Ir; and M2 is Mo, W, V,Mn, Re, Zr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti, Au, or Co; or M1 is Rh and M2 isRe, Mo, W, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti, Au, or Zr; or M1 is Ag, Auor Co; and M2 is Re, Mo, or W; M1 is Cu, Pd, Fe, or Ni; and M2 is Re,Mo, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, or W; or M1 is Ag, Pt, Cu, or Au, and M2 is Ni,Fe, Sn, Ge, or Ir; or M1 is Co and M2 is Fe; or M1 is Ni and M2 is Co orFe; or M1 is Mn and M2 is Cr.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein thesecond hydrogenation catalyst comprises a catalyst comprising Pt, Cu,Ni, Pd, Rt, Rh, Ir, Ru, or Fe on a WO₃ or WO_(x) support.
 8. The processof claim 1, wherein the second hydrogenation catalyst comprises acatalyst comprising metals M1, M2, and M3 and optionally a support,wherein: M1 is Mn, Cr, V, or Ti; M2 is Ni, Co, or Fe; and M3 is Cu, Ag,Pt, Pd or Au; or M1 is Pt or Rh; M2 is Cu, Ni or Pd; and M3 is Mo, Re orW.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the second hydrogenation catalystcomprises a Cu component, optionally a heteropoly acid component;optionally a second metal or metal oxide; optionally one or morepromoters; and optionally a support, wherein: the Cu component comprisesCu or a Cu oxide; the heteropoly acid component is H₃[P(W₃O₁₀)₄],H₄[Si(W₃O₁₀)₄], Cs_(2.5)H_(0.5)[P(W₃O₁₀)₄]; phosphomolybdic acid, orsilicomolybdic acid; the second metal or metal oxide is Cr, a Cr oxide,Ni, a Ni oxide, Mn, a Mn oxide, Zn, or a Zn oxide; and the one or morepromoters are selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ce, Mg, Na, K.10. The process of claim 1, wherein the second catalyst comprises from 2weight percent to 98 weight percent CuO, and further comprises from 98weight percent to 2 weight percent of at least one oxide selected fromthe group consisting of zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, barium oxide,chromium oxide, silica, alumina, nickel oxide, manganese oxide, sodiumoxide, potassium oxide, cerium oxide, lanthanum oxide, iron oxide,silver oxide, and cobalt oxide, based on the total weight of thecatalyst.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the second hydrogenationcatalyst comprises BaO/CuO/Cr₂O₃/SiO₂, BaO/CuO/Cr₂O₃,BaO/CuO/MnO₂/Cr₂O₃, CuO/SiO₂, CuO/Al₂O₃, CuO/NiO/Al₂O₃, CuO/Cr₂O₃/MnO₂,CuO/Cr₂O₃, CuO/MnO₂/Al₂O₃, CuO/Cr₂O₃, CuO/SiO₂/Cr₂O₃/MgO, CuO/NiO, orNiO/CuO/K₂O/Cr₂O₃/CaF₂.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein steps a) andb) further comprise a solvent, and the solvent comprises water, a C₁-C₂₀alcohol, a C₂-C₂₀ ether, a C₂-C₂₀ ester, or mixtures thereof.
 13. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the first hydrogenation catalyst comprisesPt/C and the second hydrogenation catalyst comprises BaO/CuO/MnO₂/Cr₂O₃.